Postdoctoral Fellow - Enteric Diseases Division

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to be responsible for initiating and carrying out research projects in collaboration with a research team supporting pre-clinical research and development of immunoprophylactics for the military.

The position is immediately available for a highly motivated, team-oriented candidate to work directly with the highly collaborative Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Branch of the Enteric Diseases Division within the Military Relevant Bacterial Diseases Department, headed by Dr. Frederic Poly, at the Navy Medicine Research and Development Command. The incumbent will work with a team in the field of enteric diseases to develop and evaluate diarrheal immunoprophylactic and countermeasures against military-relevant enteric pathogens, including pathogenic E. coli and Campylobacter jejuni.

Specifically, the incumbent will conduct research in the fields of biochemistry and microbiology with a focus on protein purification, bacterial genome engineering, and development and characterization of immunoprophylactic products. Incumbent will work closely with the principal investigators and other scientific and technical staff and will be responsible for initiating and carrying out research projects in partnership with a diverse research team.

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. We serve military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike. Since its founding in 1983, HJF has served as a vital link between the military medical community and its federal and private partners. HJF's support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals.

• Actively contributes to the discovery and development of prophylactic products targeting military relevant enteric bacterial pathogens.
• Develops and trouble-shoots the production, purification, and characterization of native or recombinant antigens from Campylobacter jejuni, pathogenic E. coli, or other enteric bacteria and executes in vitro biochemical assays for functional analysis of prophylactic products.
• Assists in designing, developing, executing, and implementing scientific research and/or development. Formulates hypotheses and designs detailed experimental protocols.
• Performs specialized laboratory research utilizing experimental protocols which include cloning, expression, purification, and characterization of enteric proteins, evaluation of functionality of anti-diarrheal prophylactics and countermeasures.
• Collects and handles samples and keeps detailed records of experiments. Maintains clear and accurate laboratory records, inventories and logbooks. Analyzes and interprets data. Performs data entry for research projects and maintains databases.
• Works in a multidisciplinary team and interacts and communicates with colleagues and collaborators. Coordinates with other technical and professional staff.
• Writes technical reports, summaries, and protocols.
• Assists with the preparation and presentation of data for the NMRDC team, as well as for key collaborators, scientific conferences, and publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Coordinates and contributes to new grant and funding applications.
• May train and supervise technical staff.
• May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor. This may include attendance at and participation in required training for role.

Education and Experience

• Doctoral degree in Biochemistry, Microbiology, Chemistry, or Molecular Biology required.
• Minimum of 0-5 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated skills in microbiology, molecular biology, and biochemistry. Familiarity with enteric pathogens is a plus.
• Experience in native and/or recombinant protein expression, purification, and characterization highly preferred.
• Skills include use of UPLC, FPLC, immunoblotting, ELISAs, bacterial genetics, and molecular biology.
• Strong skills in assay and procedural development and technical troubleshooting.
• Well-organized, detail-oriented, with strong analytical skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, oral and written communication skills.
• Experience with technical writing (data reports, grants, or manuscripts) is preferred.
• Ability to work both independently and in a highly collaborative team is essential.
• This position requires that you obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check.

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 10 lbs.
• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in a laboratory setting.

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $52,800-$72,000. Actual salary will be determined based on experience, education, etc.

Benefits

• HJF offers a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on your health and well-being, from medical, dental, and vision coverage to health savings and retirement plans, and more.

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, education and credentials, a criminal background check, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check if applicable. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.